Scanning negatives and slides can seem a bit tricky, but it can be done with the right equipment and know how. First of all, negatives and slides can be scanned with a scanner, but you cannot just put a negative on the glass and push the button to scan.
The scanner you use has to be one with built in negative scanning ability. Usually, a scanner designed for paper documents wont have this feature, but some do. A good scanner that is suitable for scanning negatives will produce excellent quality scans quickly, and there are different models to choose from that can allow you to scan numerous negatives and slides at once.
Scanning Negatives: DPI and Resolution
To begin, since the image on a negative is so small, you will want to keep a high resolution so that you can enlarge the picture and still maintain good picture quality. A good rule of thumb is that for every doubling in size for the picture, maintain that same increase for your resolution. For example, to get a 4X6in print from a 4X6in scan, the recommended dpi setting is 300. To get an 8X11 from that same scan, double the dpi to 600, and so on.
Scanning Negatives: Files and Output Type
There are several different file formats for images that computers use. These are TIFF, JPEG, and BMP files, just to name a few. The best files for scanning negatives are TIFF files. TIFFs can be edited and saved easily, and without compression loss. However, TIFFs can be large files that take up much memory. Besides choosing a file format, Output Type is another variable to consider when scanning. The default output type is usually Millions of Colors which is the best for photos with lots of color. Grayscale is for black and white pictures. It is recommended, though, that you maintain the default setting for color output, because this maintains the highest picture quality, and photo enhancement software can easily take the color photo and put it in black and white for you.
A word of caution about storage space: Many people have found that file sizes can mount quickly with scanning, saving, and editing photos. Pay special attention to file sizes and how much space is available on a CD or disk that you are saving the pictures to. Try to see about how much space a picture file uses, multiply that by the number of files you are saving, and make sure you dont run out of space in the middle of creating your masterpieces!
Keeping these tips and other important points in mind will help you decipher the puzzle of scanning negatives. These tips will get you started on your way to turning your tiny negatives into meaningful photographs that you will treasure for years to come.
Manufacturer
This is high-performance scanning at its best. The high-luminance white LED lamps use less power and enable scanning immediately after you press the power button. Seven EZ Buttons automate the scanning process – so it’s simple to scan, copy and create emails and multi-page PDFs. To make it even easier, the new Auto Scan Mode detects your type of original, then scans and saves it with the optimal settings. How fast? A letter-sized color scan takes only about 11 se (more…)
The Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film/Negative/Photo Scanner features high-luminance white LED lamps, which means it can scan immediately without warming up. Its simple, streamlined design includes seven simple buttons you use to scan, copy, create emails and multi-page PDFs, and automatically scan with an incredible color resolution–up to 4800 by 9600 dpi. With the CanoScan’s sophisticated retouching technology, you can improve old and precious photos by digitally removi (more…)
Have you ever thought about how to keep the perfect quality of your old photographs forever? Scanning all the prints too time-consuming and processing the films in a lab too expensive? Then here comes a unique film scanner right for you: SVP FilmScan35!
FilmScan35 is a small device able to work with both negative and positive classic 35mm film. It’s equipped with two adaptors – for strips of 6 frames or 4 slides. Scanner is connected to the PC via USB port and comes with a CD cont (more…)
Preserve and protect cherished memories in seconds with our Negative and Slide Digital Scanner. Convert old 35mm slides and film neagtives into digital images preserving your memories without requiring a conversion service alloeing you to clear up valuable storage space of cluttered slide carousels and photo boxes. Converts your 35mm slides and negatives into clear and bright digital images. Stores images in 5 Mega Pixel Size. Crop, Edit and resize slides like a professional. Catur (more…)
Have you ever thought about how to keep the perfect quality of your old photographs forever? Scanning all the prints too time-consuming and processing the films in a lab too expensive? Then here comes a unique film scanner right for you: ScanPro FilmScanner FS-1000
ScanPro FilmScanner FS-1000 is a small device able to work with both negative and positive classic 35mm film. It’s equipped with two adaptors – for strips of 6 frames or 3 slides. Scanner is connected to the PC via USB (more…)
Features:
* Transfer 35mm negatives and slides to an SD card
* Preview your image on the color LCD screen
* High-resolution, five-megapixel scanner
* Fast, one-touch scanning takes just one to two seconds
* Optional USB connection for Mac and PC
* Portable design with ultra-small footprint
* Auto-exposure and color balance
* Mirror, flip, and rotate controls
* Scans color and black & white slides and film negatives
* Works with all SD and micro SD cards, SDHC cards up to (more…)
“A welcome alternative to paying a professional” The New York Times(R) (10/30/08) Bring your old photos into the digital age with this slide and negative converter. If you have a drawer full of old photo negatives and slides, you need iConvert(TM). This easy-to-use digital converter combines the functionality of both a 35mm film scanner and 35mm slide scanner into one compact device. Order your slide to digital converter today! Our 35mm film scanner transforms negatives into full-c (more…)
Streamlined efficiency was our goal, and the FS-C05 does not disappoint. The ImageLab FS-5C05 Slide and Negative Scanner was designed with the user in mind. Gone are the days where scanning was dependent upon a lengthy process requiring the use of your personal computer. The FS-5C05 is a standalone unit that can scan your most precious memories, then save them directly to an SD memory card in seconds – No software required! Then take that SD Card to a commercial print kiosk, or (more…)
GFP-001 35mm Negative Film and Slide Scanner, Works with Vista 32 Bit and XP
Refurbished in original carton, Like New, All Components Included.
Film and Slide scanner turns negatives and slides into five megapixel digital images at the press of a button! If you have trunkloads of precious memories stored on slides and negatives, this device lets you bring them into the digital age so you can preserve them, e-mail them to family and friends and more. Plus, its as quick and easy as (more…)